THE NATION’S BIGGEST DEBATE SETTLED – JAM OR CREAM FIRST ON SCONES?

The survey, conducted by AfternoonTea.co.uk, found that 58% of people prefer to put the jam before the cream on their scones...

Embargo: not for publication before 14th August 2017

As the UK celebrates the start of Afternoon Tea Week, the age-old debate over how to serve scones has been settled by the largest ever survey.

The survey, conducted by AfternoonTea.co.uk, found that 58% of people prefer to put the jam before the cream on their scones, with 42% preferring cream first.

The rivalry between Cornwall and Devon over cream teas has been going on for decades. The Cornish way is to serve jam on the bottom, with the Devonians placing the cream on first.

Keith Newton, Managing Director of AfternoonTea.co.uk said “Scones with jam and cream are an essential part of any traditional Afternoon Tea and our customers often enquire how they should be served.” He added “This survey shows a preference for jam first, but I think the debate will continue for a long time to come.”

Afternoon Tea Week (14th to 20th August 2017) is a celebration of one of the nation’s favourite traditions. Whether enjoyed in a 5-star hotel, or as a home baked treat, the British love the combination of savoury and sweet treats, accompanied by some of the 165 million cups of tea drunk each day in the UK.

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Notes to the editorTotal number of people surveyed 1,207. For further details please contact charlotte@afternoontea.co.uk

AfternoonTea.co.uk is the UK's premier afternoon tea website, featuring online booking at over 500 venues. Last year the AfternoonTea.co.uk website had over 2.5 million visitors and booked over £9million worth of afternoon tea.

In 2016 customers spent on average £21 per person for a traditional afternoon tea. Prices range from around £10 per person in a regional tearoom, to over £60 per person at a top London hotel.